In this book Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche elaborates on key aspects of the view, meditation and action of Dzogchen practice and outlines the way in which confusion arises; the notions of self-existing wisdom, primordial purity and non-conceptuality; the four levels of mind; the three ways of resting the mind; the three aspects of energy; authentication of body, speech and mind; and the actualization of the ground; and presents profound practice methods to deepen one's understanding and experience. Compiled from a series of retreats led by Rinpoche, Actuality of Being: Dzogchen and Tantric Perspectives discusses Dzogchen (also known as Maha Ati and the Great Perfection) in relation to the nine yana system. The nine yana system is a set of nine successive steps used as a guide for spiritual growth within the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Dzogchen, while generally presented within the nine yana system is in fact seen as independent of any system, school of thought or philosophy. Recognised as a complete path within itself, Dzogchen emphasizes the notion of sudden or instantaneous enlightenment, or self-liberation. "In Dzogchen practice the beginning and the end are not seen as separate. The very starting point is the end itself. There is no difference between the alpha and omega, in the sense that when you realize Dzogchen, you have not realized anything different from what you already possess." -- Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche.

Actuality of Being: Dzogchen and Tantric Perspectives, Traleg Kyabgon, Shogam Publications, Paperback, 184 pp, $22.95

Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche was devoted to maintaining the essence and purity of Buddhism. Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche was not only a remarkable and outstanding scholar of the teachings of Buddhism but his ability to communicate the teachings ensured that the essence of the teachings penetrated the hearts and minds of thousands of students of the Dharma throughout the world. We deeply and earnestly pray for the quick rebirth of Traleg Rinpoche. We feel blessed beyond belief to be a part of Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche's activities throughout the West.

CONTENTS: Actuality of Being: Dzogchen and Tantric Perspectives
Foreword by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche		ix
Biography of Author Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche		xi
Acknowledgements		xiv
Editor's Introduction		xv
Chapter One	Religion, Spirituality, and Self-Knowledge	1
Chapter Two	The Nine Yana System	10
Chapter Three	Consciousness and Wisdom in Yogacara and Dzogchen	45
Chapter Four	Self-Existing Wisdom	59
Chapter Five	Self-Liberation and How Confusion Arises	70
Chapter Six	Ethics and Meditation	84
Chapter Seven	The Four Yogas, Meditation, and Mental Clarity	92
Chapter Eight	Integration of Bliss, Luminosity, and Reality	103
Chapter Nine	Transcending Self-Image, and the Authentication of Body, Speech and Mind	121
Chapter Ten	Imagination and the Five Elements and the Four Modes of Resting in Meditation	148
Chapter Eleven	Actualization of the Ground	157
Notes		161
Glossary		168
Index		209